Business Mum's Journal Edition 5: Cara by MumsClub.co.uk

the

Business

MUM’S JOURNAL www.businessmumsjournal.com | No. 005

THIS MUM IS GOING GLOBAL!

Midlands Edition

40 Mum-Owned Businesses inside

Read inventing mum Cara Sayer’s journey, could you be a global mum too?

BUSINESS MUM

FEATURE: Make social Networking work for your business

MUMPRENEUR HOROSCOPES From Russell Grant: find out what the stars say about you!

NEWS! Profiling local mums in business

HOW-TO: SEO! Follow these simple steps for search engine success

OF THE BEST

Classes near you

mumsclub.co.uk 1

Unique & fabulous for mums in business!

Editor: Jane Hopkins Advertising & Editorial: admin@mumsclub.co.uk 01675 463 963 www.mumsclub.co.uk Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Neither the editor, nor The Business Mum’s Journal officially endorses any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without prior permission of the publisher.

Hello and Welcome! ...to another season and another edition of the journal. So, how’s business? Are you at that thinking about it stage or are you steaming ahead at full speed? Or perhaps you’re somewhere in the middle?? I go to lots of events and meet so many women who want to be in business but haven’t quite made that leap, if you’re nodding your head then I hope reading about Cara Sayer, the mum behind the SnoozeShade will give you some inspiration and if you’re looking for ideas, perhaps the fabulous Russell Grant horoscopes will help you! At whatever stage of business you’re at, business is great to be in, and with more of our mums being featured in the media, I hope you’re soon amongst them. Getting PR isn’t as hard as it may seem, and once you figure it out there’ll be no stopping you. Networking is brilliant for picking up tips, there are networking events all over the Midlands; you can meet Laura at networking mummies in Warwick or myself and Donna in Birmingham. Laura wrote a fabulous article about social networking so she’s not far if you have any questions! (see page 12)

What has become clear lately is that the business mum population is growing so because of this growing trend, mumsclub is launching a census to create a full national profile of UK mums in business. We’ll announce the findings next year and there are prizes up for grabs too so I do hope you take the time to contribute. Thank you for reading, please keep in touch in our forums. Until next time, wishing you all the best business success!

Jane x

CONTENTS

Jane Hopkins | www.mumsclub.co.uk 06-07. Interview: Cara Sayer; a business mum going global

29.

Working from home directory

30.

Top Tips: Travelling with children

10-11. Six of the best... Classes near you 12-13. Feature: Social Networking for your business 20-21. Mumpreneur Watch! 22.

Social networking in Coventry

23.

Local Events

This midlands edition was co-edited by Laura Morris of www.Rentabuggy.co.uk, Laura also runs networking mummies in Warwick. You can see her events on page 23.

24-25. Mumpreneur Horoscopes 26-27. Search Engine Success

Business Directory

Business Directory Antenatal & Postnatal Pilates Classes Are you or someone you know pregnant or recently had a baby? Classes taught by a registered physiotherapist will help you: • • • •

Strengthen abdominals & pelvic muscles Improve posture & balance Prevent lower back pain & pelvic floor issues Prepare for labour & recovery post- birth

For further information please visit: www.pilates-zone.co.uk or call 07789 714574

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Dr Jo Jones, Consultant Paediatrician We’re always concerned about our children’s health and wellbeing, sometimes because there is a particular problem but at other times because we want peace of mind that our child is healthy, happy and able to achieve their best.

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I’m an experienced doctor for children and young people, specialising in their particular needs and issues. I’m able to advise on and treat all aspects of your child’s health, development and wellbeing. Whatever your concerns, I’ll try Contact me : to fit around you. I offer flexible, www.healthcare4kids.co.uk timely, private or call Tudor Medical Group consultations in 01789 200935 and around Warwickshire, Kris Ames at The Nuffield including in your 01926 427971 home.

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Cover Feature: Cara Sayer, inventor mum going global

Meet Cara Sayer...

Cara with Holly and her SnoozeShade

She’s a mum who, like so many others, had a light bulb moment when struggling with her own daily issues of being a parent. Here’s how that bright idea is turning into a global success story. Cara’s journey is far from over yet, but we think she’s certainly someone to take notes from... So Cara, how did you come up with the idea for SnoozeShade? I left my job in events to start a family. My job and a family were not compatible so I went freelance while we underwent IVF. We were lucky and I became pregnant first time and the result was Holly who I call our ‘miracle baby’. The idea for SnoozeShade came about because I had a very bad case of SPD whilst pregnant and was confined to a wheelchair for six months. Three months after I had Holly, I had to learn to walk again and getting out with the pram was vital to recovery. Holly needed her sleep and I needed to go out. When she was tiny, a walk to the shops in her buggy was easy as she slept deeply and often. As she got older, it became harder for her to switch off – or, once asleep, she would be woken by lights, the sun or any number of noises.

Meeting friends for a coffee during naptime meant draping muslins and other things over buggy hoods– with varying degrees of success. Manoeuvring kerbs were treacherous with things sliding off – resulting in a wide-awake and grumpy baby. It wasn’t just me as other mums tried to stop the wind from blowing with carefully positioned blankets and I thought there must be something that would help. I’ve always been a savvy internet shopper, so I hunted for a suitable product... Not a thing. Mosquito, cat and insect nets let in too much light. Sunshades were too bulky and baby could still see out. There didn’t seem to be anything that blocked out the light, was portable and small enough to keep in the buggy basket or hang off the handles. One day, I rather foolishly said to a few friends that someone should invent something – so they said ‘go on then’. What did you do next? Did you have any experience? No, I’d never worked in retail or had any experience in manufacture so it’s been a very fast and steep learning curve. I’ve learned everything from scratch including the legality of

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protecting an idea with trademarks and patents and how to price a product to be appealing to retailers and distributors. I have registered the trademark and am in the process of completing my worldwide patent application. How did you get started and fund it? After more than a year of product development and testing, I went to a trade show in 2009 with my unfinished prototype after my mother convinced me to give it a shot. I was gobsmacked when retailers like JoJo Maman Bebe placed orders on the spot. The pressure was on as I had 4 months to deliver a finalised product which meant doing everything from safety testing to packaging design. I’ve been lucky and had support from others in the nursery industry as they have often been through a similar experience by starting a business after they’ve had children. People have been very kind

Cover Feature: Cara Sayer, inventor mum going global to me and I have never been too proud to ask for help if I’ve needed it.

been the long hours I have had to work to bring it to make it all happen. Sadly this meant that a few months I am a great believer in karma and I funded the business with money that ago I had a small breakdown due to the level of pressure. I was very was owed to me by a friend I worked fortunate that my mother was able to for who had taken two years to pay. I move in and help look after Holly and finally got the last bit of money just I. It’s taught me a valuable (if not when I needed it. late) lesson that it’s vital to get What were the highs and lows of balance in your life. I overdid it, bringing Snoozeshade to the market? working through the night sometimes I get a high every time I hear from a and trying to be perfect mother, wife parent who has benefited from and businesswoman and something SnoozeShade. Only today on my had to give – namely me. Facebook page a dad posted “Our 14 What is unique about SnoozeShade? month old son hadn't slept in the buggy for four months. Five mins with SnoozeShade is the UK’s (and we a SnoozeShade on and he slept for an believe the world’s) first blackout blind for prams and pushchairs. There hour. Brilliant!!” A well rested baby is no other baby sleep product that makes everyone’s lives so much helps when you’re out and about with happier and it’s been called a baby in a pram or buggy. It fits most ‘godsend’ and ‘the best thing I’ve popular three and for wheel models ever bought’. Nothing else gives me with single hoods (a double width more satisfaction. The lows have version is in development) and can be used on twin, triplet and tandem models you simply use one per baby over each hood. We’ve not found a buggy it doesn’t fit yet.

Cara with her mum

So where are you now? I’ve been amazed by the positive reception. Most people can’t believe that such a simple idea hasn’t been done before. Prima Baby’s consumer editor Alison Alexander has called SnoozeShade “the sleeping-on-the-go solution mum and babies have been waiting for” and it has won several awards including Baby London’s Most Innovative Product Gold award. Denise Van Outen recently tweeted that she thought it was brilliant and she’d been raving to her mum friends about it which was just amazing.

Jo Jo Maman Bebe and Mothercare were the first retailers, but they have been joined by John Lewis, Kiddicare, GLTC and a range of independent retailers. Next year it will go into Tesco, Boots and a wide range of other stores. I still can’t believe it – it doesn’t seem real. I got back from an international show last week and SnoozeShade is going global with distributors fighting over who will take it on in their region. Yet again I was gobsmacked! So you’re going global, what’s next? I have one new product in testing at the moment and ideas for several more products to extend the SnoozeShade family. Products that I hope will make mothers’ lives easier. Any tips to your success to pass on? Have faith in your idea, if you’ve hunted high and low for a product and can’t find it then there probably is a gap in the market. Do lots of market research – ask friends and family and get them to ask their friends too. And be prepared to be brave Think big and be passionate about what you are doing. I totally believe in SnoozeShade and secretly have hopes for world domination ;-). In all seriousness though, it is important to aim high and you can hopefully only exceed your own expectations. Where can we find you online? You can find me on Twitter @snoozeshade on Facebook www.facebook.com/snoozeshade and I am always happy to help other mums with business ideas if they email me on info@snoozeshade.com.

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of the best... As ever, we have scoured the area looking for six of the best products, so you don’t have to. This issue, we have found…

6 of the best Classes! Jaykays Dance Company offers classes in Ballet, Tap, Street Dance and Gymnastics for children and young people, starting from 18 months old! Principal Jeren Hogben manages a busy timetable of after-school, evening and weekend classes, works parttime and looks after her 2 year old daughter. Jeren has worked with schools, nurseries and local authorities to deliver dance activities and clubs. Dance is a fun activity for children and a great form of exercise that improves flexibility, balance and co-ordination. Classes are held at The Brunswick Healthy Living Centre, Leamington. Please contact Jeren on: H: 01926 422380 M: 077389 54258 E: enquiries@jaykaysdance.co.uk W: www.jaykaysdance.co.uk

Musical abc has been and continues to be developed by Anne, a qualified teacher, musician and mum! After taking a break from teaching, to care for her two young children, she decided to use her teaching and music skills to launch a new business. She wanted to offer parents of newborns to 5 years, quality, fun, sensory and LIVE music sessions at a reasonable price. In November 2008 Musical abc was launched and now offers classes in: Leamington on Monday | Kenilworth on Wednesday | Warwick/Stratford on Friday ONLY £3.50 a session + NO joining fee. Discounts for siblings, twins, and childminders. Every session is 50 minutes: 30 minutes of musical fun followed by 20 minutes for refreshments, and time for the children to socialise and play. To find out more please look at the website www.musicalabc.net or call Anne on 07876 518770

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When she first experienced coaching, Helen Hobart was so impressed by its transformational effects that she decided to train as a coach and start her own practice, Cornerstones Coaching. As well as one to one coaching and mentoring, Helen provides a range of women-only classes designed to facilitate lasting change by drawing on the principles of coaching. The change can relate to anything; health and fitness, confidence, job or career, relationships – the aim is to enable people to get focused on what they want, recognise and tackle some of the things that might hold them back and take action. For details of classes, including the Weekend Life Coach programme taking place in Stratford upon Avon on 20th and 21st November please visit www.cornerstonescoaching.co.uk or call Helen on 07958 720 448.

Baby Signing Classes – Leamington Spa, Warwick and Stratford-uponAvon Sing and Sign is a programme of songs teaching simple gestures used to enhance communication and lessen frustration with your baby. Babies use all kinds of signs and gestures as a natural part of learning to talk. Encouraging your baby with extra signs like milk, more, change nappy or tired will help your baby communicate! Your baby will recognise important words sooner and can use the signs to “talk” to you before speech. Many signing babies start to talk sooner as the visual clue with the spoken words helps early understanding. Baby signing with Sing and Sign is easy because they make it fun to learn! Props and musical instruments are used to capture your babies attention. One hour classes with refreshments and playtime. For babies aged 6-18 months. For details of local classes or to join a wait-list contact: Pippa Jenkins on Tel: 01789 415591 - Email: pippajenkins@singandsign.co.uk or visit www.singandsign.com for more information. Recommended by Sure Start.

T’ai Chi is a gentle but powerful form of exercise, suitable for all ages and abilities. Gentle flowing movements are combined with deep breathing exercises, relaxing the body and mind. A typical T’ai Chi class starts with a warm up, followed by a mix of exercises including K’ai Men (Taoist Yoga), breathing exercises and two series of movements – the T'ai Chi dance and form. The TCAA teach Lee style T’ai Chi – one of the oldest forms of T’ai Chi used for centuries to maintain health both physically and mentally. Classes cost £6 (students £4) and are held in various locations across the Midlands and Warwickshire. Find your local class at www.seahorsearts.co.uk

Monkey Music – Nurturing a Lifetime of Music Monkey Music offers award winning classes Nationwide and are run by specialist teachers and musicians. There are huge benefits of music and movement for very young children, particularly when taught in a group. Early exposure to singing, listening and playing music can sharpen up a whole range of educational skills. Language and numerical skills flourish through action songs and rhymes and they are great fun for child and carer. A progressive curriculum in 5 stages, from 3 months - 4 years plus. Classes are run throughout Warwickshire every day (Monday - Saturday). To book a complimentary session and experience the unique music and movement classes, contact Claire 01789 415526

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How to: Social Networking for business Social Networking is fast becoming a trend for businesses worldwide to promote their services and products to a whole new audience. Free social marketing portals including Facebook and Twitter can not only give you more sales, but help you increase your customer database. Not using Social media yet? Hopefully this quick how to guide will get your started...

Thanks to Laura Morris for these tips. If you’re still unsure, Laura offers one to one Social Networking workshops either over the phone or face to face. For more information, please visit www.mumtomumpreneur.co.uk/services.

Facebook Did you know that there are 400 million active users on Facebook and that includes more than 1 million developers and entrepreneurs. The average user is connected to 60 pages, groups and events. Setting up a fan page for your business will connect you to people...and will find new customers. Below is a ‘step by step guide’ on setting up a Business Fan Page on Facebook.

Step One

Step Two You have now successfully started a page and you can now get started on adding content. Facebook will automatically run you through the first few steps which includes adding an image, adding basic information, updating a status, connecting your mobile device and linking it to Twitter. You will see ‘tabs’ on the top of the page where you can easily click between wall, info etc.

Step Three On the left hand side is an option to ‘edit your page’ for if you come back to it and also to ‘suggest to friends’ when your page is complete. Also at the bottom of the page is the ‘Share’ button which means that your page would be posted to your own personal profile so that friends can see.

Firstly, from any business fan page if you scroll down to the bottom left hand side you will see a button that say’s ‘Create a Page for my business’ – click on this. You will then come to another screen, choose the ‘Create a Page’ option and click on the icon that says ‘local businesses’ then type Step Four your page/business name. Check the box to say you agree to the terms and Moving onto adding content. Under press the ‘Create Official Page’ information you can add address, button. opening times, website address etc. You can also add ‘photos’ and create

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an album which is good for products or picture uploads of any press etc you might have appeared in. Make sure photos are clear and precise.

Step Five On the left hand side, you will also see a box that say’s ‘Insights’ this will show you your post quality and how many interactions there are each week on your wall.

Step Six Finally, you will see a ‘like’ button at the top with a ‘thumbs up’ sign. This means that people can ‘like’ your page and vice versa you can ‘like’ there’s too. When your page is finished a good tip is to try and connect with like minded or other local businesses. You can look for businesses under the ‘search’ tab at the top of any Facebook page. Once you have reached 25 followers remember to set your own url from www.facebook.com/username. Try and update daily or at least 2-3 times a week – people will leave your group if they don’t feel they are

How to: Social Networking for business getting anything from you as a business.

Twitter Twitter has fast become a marketing trend with many famous people also logging on to share a bit of their own world. It is a simple tool that helps connect businesses more meaningfully with the right audience at the right time. Businesses of all shapes and sizes are now able to stay connected to their customers. It can be used to quickly share information with people interested in your company, gather real-time market intelligence and feedback and build relationships with customers. How to set up and use Twitter:

Step One Go to www.twitter.com and click on the ‘join’ button on the right hand side.

Step Two You will then come to a page where you type in name, password etc and a few other key bits of information. You will be asked for a username. It is probably best to use something related to your business. Your direct URL will then be shown as http:// twitter.com/yourbusinessname for the future.

Step Three once logged in you will see a status box where you can write your 140 page update. You will also see a tab in the right hand corner that is ‘profile’ here you can add a picture or logo and update what you do. There is also a tab to ‘find people’ and various ways to do so.

Tip: Using a free platform like Tweetdeck or Hootsuite will make following Twitter easier to use and more manageable.

@USERNAME – Simply start a message with @username of the person you want to connect to in your update.

Twitter Lingo

DM – Direct Message is a private message channel through Twitter.

Tweet - the message you write using your 140 characters—it’s what twitter is all about! RT – Retweet – copy and retweet another person’s update

Hashtag # - People create ‘hashtags’ to show what a tweet is about, then when somebody searches for that hashtag, they will find all the related messages.

Victoria Dixon is a social media mum of two young children. She runs her online business www.enhance-me.com where she creates personalised magical photo portraits using ordinary photos. From never seeing herself particularly computer savvy, over 5 years she has become very well conversed and more recently has found the power of social media to connect with people that she may never have had the opportunity to before. Here’s Victoria's tips: A business page on Facebook—go for ’likes’ and endorsements. I was endorsed on Very Good service’s Facebook page which led to my site being listed on their website. Run competitions or giveaways, and collaborate with groups specific to your market. I contacted the facebook group administrator of IAMAPROUDMUMMY who have 353,491 members – my business gained fantastic exposure for the cost of the two portraits I offered as prizes. Think about your market and source suitable groups via the search function. Use Twitter to announce news, competitions, new products and to connect with businesses and bloggers. Every now and again I send out a simple tweet asking if any bloggers would be willing to blog about my business news or competitions, new products etc. I often get a surprising response! Get a blog and update it regularly – I think the great thing about social media is that you can connect everything together – when I update my blog a tweet is automatically sent out announcing the update as well as a post on Facebook! Stay on top of this ever changing world of social media, explore new platforms and see how you can make your experience easier by scheduling automatic tweets & blog posts to manage your time more effectively. Track your statistics. My stats reveal that Twitter and Facebook are two of the highest generators of traffic to my website! I also keep a record of business and marketing opportunities that have come directly from social media.

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Sing and Sign classes show you how to help your baby communicate BEFORE speech by using simple gestures, giving language development a boost. Traditional songs and Nursery Rhymes | Puppets & Props |Instruments | Refreshments & Playtime

For details of classes and to join a wait-list contact: 01789 415591 | pippajenkins@singandsign.co.uk www.singandsign.com

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Creating an effective website Your website is your business' home on the web, you need to make sure that it is reflecting your business in the best way possible. Here are some tips from Sadie at Glassraven web design on how to achieve this. What’s in it for me?

Are you selling the benefits of your products/services or simply listing the features? Is it obvious to a new visitor who is not familiar with your business what you do? Take a step back and make sure you are giving them reasons to stay on your website and buy from you. Build confidence

People buy from websites that they feel are trustworthy, so ensure you are projecting a professional appearance. Use reviews / testimonials where appropriate throughout your website to positively reinforce your product or service. Prominently display your contact details throughout your website – ideally including a telephone number in your website header.

Ensure your business branding is used on your website, carrying through a consistent colour scheme from your logo and any printed materials you have. This way it is obvious to a visitor who has seen your business advertised that they are on the right website and it immediately feels familiar. Make sure it works

Test your website to ensure your customers can find everything they need. Before launching check:

• Can you navigate easily around the website? • Does it work in all browsers? (www.browsershots.org can help to test this) • Are there any broken links? • Proof read for spelling mistakes, grammatical errors etc. • Turn off JavaScript and Flash then test again Install Google Webmaster Tools & Analytics to assess your websites performance. For more tips see our blog at: www.glassraven.com/blog/ 16

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Contribute to the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national

r u e n e r mumpcensus 2010 - 2011 Help build a national profile of UK mums in business, simply go to: www.mumsclub.co.uk/census Answer the questions as accurately as you can and be in with a chance of winning a prize. The survey will run into 2011 and your business mum profile could be chosen as on of our featured mums. Have fun!

www.mumsclub.co.uk/census 17

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LOCAL BUSINESS MUMS VISIT ORPHANAGE IN UGANDA Six months ago, Anna Leeksma of The Cotton Nappy Company (www.thecottonnappycompany.co.uk) & Sally Evans of Sally Evans Photography (www.sallyevansphoto.co.uk) joined forces for a business venture which promoted both their local, independently run family businesses. Never did they envisage at that initial meeting that in less than six months later this would lead to both business women planning to travel a total of nearly 9000 miles together to the Nzirambi Orphans Talent Development Centre (NOTDEC UK) in Uganda to offer their help and support, and to investigate ways to promote and fundraise for the orphaned children there in the future. Sally will also be asking each of the children what they would like for Christmas from their sponsors so that they can each receive a gift at Christmas of something which they would like or which they need. Anna and Sally will be following up their trip with fundraising ideas to help others in their support of NOTDEC UK.

But this is what is happening! Flights are booked for

To sponsor Anna, please contact her directly on 07903564056. For details on NOTDEC UK and how to donate directly to the Charity please visit www.notdec.org.uk

September 2010, vaccinations administered, and packing of both personal belongings as well as items for use at the Centre has begun. During the two weeks in which Anna and Sally are visiting NOTDEC UK they will be helping at the Centre in any way which is needed at the time. They also have specific aims. As a midwife, Anna is keen to see what help they need in the local hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maternity unit, to learn more about why so many mothers are dying in childbirth and to see what help and equipment would be of use to them. In the orphanage she is looking forward to spending time with the children and hopefully giving the staff a rest! She is also taking over some modern re-usable nappies from the shop to help save time on using the traditional terry towelling and pins. Sally will be using her photography skills to provide all the UK sponsors with updated photographs of their sponsored baby or child. She will also be taking photographs of the ongoing building projects and the daily lives of the children at NOTDEC. The images will be used for future publicity and PR purposes when fundraising. Sally will be presenting the images and talking about her experiences during the visit at a business Conference at the Crown Plaza, NEC in October.

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We like to keep an eye (or two) on what mum-owned businesses out there are doing, and these are the likely suspects for this issue… Rachel Edwards loves a good read… Rachel lives in Warwick with her husband Dave and is mum to Aaron, who is 9 months. Before becoming a mum, she worked full time as an Executive Assistant. After having Aaron, Rachel didn’t want to leave him and with childcare figures that stacked up so much she realised it wasn’t worth it. A close friend, and Mini IQ Associate suggested she joined Mini IQ selling fun educational books and toys for children aged 0-12.

Within weeks of joining Rachel was running her own business from home as a sole trader, doing regular book parties and visiting toddler groups, and spending the time she wanted watching Aaron grow up. Rachel is passionate about books anyway so to earn an income sharing products that she loves and believes in is a blessing. Within only six months, Rachel has recruited 3 members to her team and is now on a Leap to leadership course to qualify as a Leader by Christmas!

Stacey came to a Networking Mummies meeting and became self employed!... Stacey is 28 years old, married and has two beautiful children – Mackenzie and William. In June she came to the end of her maternity leave. Stacey went along to a Networking Mummies meeting not really knowing what to expect. At the meeting Stacey met someone that offered her a great business opportunity and within a couple of weeks she’d helped Stacey set up her own business working alongside a large international company marketing quality Aloe Vera and bee products. Over the last few months Stacey has done business

launches, worked on getting a customer database and is currently recruiting a team of people. Stacey quotes ‘It’s fantastic to have my own business. I work from home, around my children but still have the ongoing support and training from everybody at Forever Living. I’ve always wanted to do something like this but never thought it was possible, but since working alongside Forever Living I’ve realised anything is possible’ For a closer look into what she does please visit www.staceyforever.co.uk or for her online retail store visit www.aloe-flp.co.uk

Sarah enjoys sharing family photos… Sarah loved showing pictures of family to her son Ben, and although he liked looking at the photos, they were no match for his mucky mitts! So after searching for a more baby friendly product, she came to the conclusion that there wasn’t anything. A LOT of experimenting later, Sarah came up with a fabric

photo book that was soft and flexible, but which also had that all-important glossy finish that meant it could be wiped clean! But she didn’t stop there… After hugely positive feedback from other mums about the photo books.. Fab Rings was born! Sarah has been selling her personalised photo books online since July 2010 and although it’s still a relatively new company, she loves the opportunities it has

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given her already. She says ‘It’s been great meeting lots of lovely mums, as well as starting to use my brain again! Although the biggest reward is that it means that I can work whilst continuing to look after Ben full-time’. www.fab-rings.co.uk

Donna Pinnell loves shopping for gorgeous gifts… The name is derived from her daughter’s name who The Little Lilypad Co was founded as a result of Donna’s love for gorgeous gifts! When Donna had takes an active interest in her daughter and subsequently found herself in a helping Donna find new goodies! baby boom with her friends, she started looking everywhere to find wonderful little gifts for The business is only in its infancy but steadily babies but not the usual high street presents… She wanted beautiful and unique little gifts but growing with repeat customers and fit’s around Donna’s family and other work found a lot of these came at a price. She didn’t want mass produced plastic toys, she wanted to commitments. Building the business further is obviously Donna’s aim but also maintaining the find handmade and maybe even unusually old fashioned gifts that have been painted, quirky boutique style shopping experience is glued and lovingly crafted by real essential to retaining the appeal. people! So the Little Lilypad Co was www.littlelilypad.co.uk born! Find Business inspiration at

www.networkingmummies.com Lucie turned into a Damsel in Success… With a baby girl who started life in Intensive Care – you might forgive Lucie for wanting to take it easy but she used her experiences to expand her own business. Lucie’s girl Summer, was born with a life threatening condition – a Diaphragmatic Hernia which meant she was ventilated at birth & had major surgery at 10 day’s old. Summer was fed by NG tube until she was 8 months old but has recovered amazingly well and despite having a small left lung she is now a normal and active toddler.

Claire loves throwing a good party… Claire is a busy mother of two from Leamington Spa, she launched “Parties by Claire” to give people the opportunity to have the party that they long for, without the hassle of all the planning and arranging. She says ‘I know so many people who desire a party with the wow factor, but that don‘t have the time or inclination to take

Lucie believes that being a mum has helped her to be an even better coach and mentor to others “I’ve learnt so much and feel so much more complete as a women that I can guide & inspire others even more” Lucie founded the Damsels in Success in Warwickshire 3 years ago but always dreamt to make it accessible to every woman.. She has since expanded into 7 new locations. FREE OFFER – All readers of the Business Mum’s journal can receive 1 month’s FREE membership to the Damsels in Success Community. Visit: www.damselsinsuccess.co.uk/mums

on responsibility of making it happen!’ She realised quickly that diversity was all important, and has also expanded to run Blue Crown Events along side the party business. All of her events are tailor-made to the customers exact wishes, whether it is a corporate event for a large company, a family fun day or a birthday party.

It is part of the company ethos - to give something back to the community and Claire’s chosen charity is Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice, a hospice offering very special care for babies and young children with life-limiting and terminal illnesses. For more information please visit www.partiesbyclaire.co.uk

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Local Events

Social Networking Workshop in Coventry With Facebook, Twitter and Blogging fast becoming a marketing trend for small to large businesses all over the world. Networking Mummies (Warwickshire) held a Social Networking for Business Workshop.

We had a fully booked conference room at the Scarman House, University of Warwick with a few mums who had already been to some of our events and a whole load of new ones and it was great to meet some lovely new faces and actually meet some people face to face after interacting initially over Facebook! The morning workshop covered all aspects of using free marketing social platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Blogging to get more out of your businesses and how to market yourself. There was great interaction from the whole group. ‘You are such a star Laura! It was a brilliant morning – lovely atmosphere, really professional presentation, fantastic and very useful notes, a great bunch of women, nice pastries – and I learnt loads without ever being made to feel stupid because I didn’t know this stuff already – Priceless!’ Sharon Bott – www.foreverfuture.net

‘It was a great morning – fantastic to meet other business mums and Laura was brilliant at explaining for the IT phobic amongst us on how it all works’ Jo McLean www.happylittlemonsters.co.uk The workshop ended with some great networking and already business has taken place between businesses already so also a great way to also meet new people and see how we can all help each other. Follow us on Twitter: @networkingmummy

Our Facebook Fan Page: Networking Mummies (Warwickshire) Our Blog: www.networkingmummies.com/blog

Our next workshop is on Monday the 22nd November at University of Warwick from 8.30am – 1.30pm and is ‘A guide to getting in the Press’ Tickets are just £20, which includes breakfast pastries, fruit and more on arrival and unlimited drinks. Also includes a second refreshment break mid-morning.

To book a place at the next Warwick workshop visit www.networkingmummies.com or call Laura on 07909 534000 22

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Local Events

What’s happening locally? Online, you have tons of ways to both get your business started and grow your business, mostly for free, some for a fee! But what else is there that will help your business start and grow?

2010-11

Online networking is essential for any business but sometimes we need to get out there and meet other like minded people face to face… Here’s a quick guide to what’s available in and around Warwick with networking mummies... 22nd A Guide to getting in the Press Workshop – Scarman House, University of Warwick, Coventry. th Learn how to get into the press and how to market 4 Warwickshire Business Mums Exhibition 7pm your business. We will cover how to write a good to 10pm – 30 mumpreneur exhibitors with business advisors including ‘Coventry and Warwickshire press release, media requests, entering awards and writing articles. In this workshop we will also be Chamber of Commerce’ for business advice. FREE showing you how to enable your confidence to entry and Goody Bags for the first 100 people through the door. Raising funds for Myton Hospice grow in promoting yourself and your business to take you to the next level. Price £20 including reincluding a raffle on the night. Come along and freshments. start some Christmas shopping.

October:

25th Soft Play at Half Term 10am to 1pm – The Play Farm, Sydenham Industrial Estate, Leamington Spa. Come and network whilst the children play. Under 16th Top Pop Decades Christmas Party – Hilton 5’s only £3.50 entry. Hotel in Warwick. Come dressed to impress to the Networking Mummies Christmas Party. We will be gathering for pre-dinner drinks from 6.30am when Happy Hour starts in the Lounge Bar. Then enjoy an st 1 Busy Minds Brainstorming 10am to 12noon – extensive 3 Course buffet from 7.30pm followed by (FREE) Hilton Warwick, Costa Coffee Bar & Lounge. the resident DJ playing all those disco favourites We have reserved a part of the Coffee Lounge for a from the top pop decades of the past until brainstorming session. Got a burning question you 12.30am. Join in the fun with props from the dresswant answered? Come and meet other mumpreing up box provided with a prize being awarded for neurs for advice and support. Sorry not suitable for the best dressed on the night! £25.00 per head children. (£10 Deposit required) Partners welcome.

December:

November:

To book any of these Warwick events or see more information please visit www.networkingmummies.com/warwickevents.html or phone Laura Morris on 07909 534000. For networking events across the Midlands go to www.mumsbusinessclub.com for details. 23

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Mumpreneur Horoscopes from Russell Grant Aries

Gemini

Leo

You’ve never been short of inspiration or ideas. Acting on them helps you make use of all your skills, ability & strength to make a better life for your family. Better still running your own business means you are in control which appeals to the natural leader within! Arians are the pioneers of the zodiac so your ideas will be original, innovative and a huge success. Once you’ve got your business up and running, you will be one of those inspirational guest speakers at seminars who can share your experiences on how to juggle family commitments with running a successful business with other mums. Great business ideas: Event planning services, advertising consulting or other consulting services, making and selling jewellery.

You’re the type of person who has a finger in every pie. Deciding to set up in business for yourself is the easy part. What’s difficult is making a firm choice on what it is you’re going to do. Writing and communication are the areas you should focus on. Identify what you are good at and put these skills to use by starting a web based business. Protect your interests by getting written instructions or a clear agreement before undertaking all new projects. There’s a good chance you could be a successful mumpreneur provided you surround yourself with stable, reliable associates who can keep you grounded. Great business ideas: Writing articles for newspapers, magazines and online writing sites, proof reading, create an online shop, printing, advertising and leaflet distribution.

You’ve always been an expressive person and you don’t mind performing to large crowds. Offering a pamper party or make-up and beauty party service is a great way to exploit your innate creativity. Setting up your own business will also keep you in touch with the world at large. Networking connects you with other mumpreneurs and motivated people like yourself. Extravagant ideas could cause some difficulty where finances are concerned. It won’t always be easy, so stay hopeful but don’t set your sights too high. While building up your business expect to sacrifice fun times with family and friends when work takes priority. Even so, the longterm rewards will outweigh the early troubles. Great business ideas: Beauty therapist, nail technician, face painter or party planner.

Taurus

Cancer

Virgo

You’ve always had good money sense and you might turn a handsome profit by cashing in on some past investments. This could leave you free to start your own business. Anything you undertake will be carefully researched and it won’t be until you know all the ins and outs and all the possible risks before you take a cautious step forward. You won’t find it difficult to organise your family life around your job or viceversa. Good planning happens to be one of your strengths. Being overly cautious however could miss you a good opportunity. Once you’ve done your homework and you know your stuff, how can you possibly fail? Great business ideas: Beauty treatment, pet grooming, publishing.

Home has always been where your heart is and the idea of being a stayat-home mum running your own business has always appealed to you. Use your family for inspiration and elaborate on skills that come naturally to you and how they might be utilised in business. You’ve always loved cooking so why not look into starting your own catering business? You might like the sound of offering a wide range of products and services connected to the home or family such as buying and selling kids clothes or baby equipment. Or starting up your own day nursery. Great business ideas: Selling arts and crafts, starting up your own house cleaning service, child minding, baking, cooking, house or office cleaning.

If you’re not self employed, you feel you should be. You would never shy away from hard work and you’d put one-hundred-and-ten per cent effort into making your business successful. Working from home will mean you get to watch your family grow while enjoying a fulfilling career.

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Mumpreneur Horoscopes from Russell Grant You’d never rush into anything and the fact that pay cheques could initially be few and far between is a serious consideration. The independence of working from home is a big pull but insecurity also comes with the turf. Consider all the pros and cons before setting up on your own. Great business ideas: Proofreading, accounting, pet minding, graphic and web design, writing, book keeping.

second-hand stores are all positive ways to satisfy your urge to dig beneath life’s surface. You will be well organised from the start and this will help you achieve an excellent balance between work and family. Great business ideas: Proofreading, geneaology, photography, writing and research and selling antiques

to realise your goals, but consider the alternatives and you may decide being a mumpreneur is the best one for you. Once you’ve set yourself a goal, you will reach it. You are destined for success. Great business ideas: Child Care, teaching, tutoring, bookkeeping.

Scorpio

You are as cautious as you are ambitious. Careful with your cash you might tend to keep money in the bank rather than invest it in needed gear or equipment to run your business. Sometimes you need to spend money to make money, and when you start down the mumpreneur line, this is one of those times. Don’t let nagging fears about upsetting the apple cart prevent you from realising a cherished dream. It’s always daunting

You can’t give your services away and you must demand good recompense for what you offer. Your one problem is an inability to focus on one work or art project. You’re more inclined to pour your energy and talent into several projects that bring you a small amount of success while ignoring other plans that could well be more profitable. Great business ideas: Pottery, painting and other craft work, running craft classes, catering, an online shop, wedding planning.

Aquarius

Once you’re ready to set Sagittarius up business on your own, Running your own whatever line of work you Libra business has many are looking at, be realistic advantages and suits about your prospects. You have a As a Venus ruled Libran your personality you’re likely to enjoy fantastic imagination, so find a market perfectly. Here’s your chance to escape to tap into and you’re likely to come up many creative interests and this is a great start the confines of a nine-to-five job. You with some unique business ideas. towards your becoming a successful have control over when you work, Expect the early days to be hard-going mumpreneur. If you think you’d be when you take time off and what you and budget accordingly. Be sensible do. The only person you answer to is about your monthly outgoings and how better off opening your own business yourself! You’ve always been ambitious much you will need to live on. If you consider converting a hobby into a money-making venture and get the ball and you are a born leader. You love to already have your own business, think travel and if you can make money out about expanding into a different area rolling. Don’t just choose anything. To of a hobby you would never look back. that has always interested you. Any safeguard your freelancing future, When making plans to start up a ventures using your knowledge of the check there is a market for your ideas internet could be profitable. and offer a service people might want. business, pull in ideas and inspiration from a variety of sources. You might Great business ideas: Starting a web Due to your dislike of arguments and get a greater measure of freedom design business, advertising, leaflet being pushed into making decisions it through further education if new distribution, consultancy services. would be better that you chose a line qualifications might help you progress of business where you might mix with Pisces people you get on well with. Should and there is no reason why you can’t You have a sensitive you need to employ staff or work with study while running your own business. nature and usually have other mumpreneurs, choose with care! Great business ideas: Pet Grooming or trouble putting yourself pet minding, start your own travel Great business ideas: Beautician, first and great difficulties service or internet shop. photographer, knitting, needlework, saying no to people. Starting your own clothes alteration services. Capricorn business will mean you must get tough. You have the passion, energy and stamina to go far once you decide to set up business for yourself. You could achieve amazing things because you will keep going when the going gets tough and you aren’t discouraged very easily. You have a searching mind and like to delve into mysteries. Writing a thriller, launching a research project, or shopping for hidden treasures in

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News from the SEO Geek

Simple Steps for Search Engine

Success

SEOg... Searchin

When you first start an online business, SEO (search engine optimization) is a phrase you see everywhere, but what does it really mean? Search engine optimization is the name for the way that you get your website to appear high up the search engine rankings. SEO is made up of two main title, description, and keywords. Why is search engine Remember to keep your descriptions elements... optimization so Important? 1. It’s a free way to get customers. Optimizing your website brings you free targeted traffic. This is traffic that you don’t have to pay money to get (unlike using pay-per-click advertising). Millions of people search online every single day for millions of things and most online purchases begin with the customer using search engines of some kind, in fact, over 90% of internet users use a search engine.

2. It’s a great way to get the right type of customer to visit your site. SEO also means the visitors to your site are more targeted, which in turn means more sales and higher conversion rates for you. It also helps you to develop a strong brand that is recognizable in your marketplace or your industry. Sites which rank highly in search engines give potential customers the impression that the website is a professional market leader.

short and to the point. What you say about yourself - What • Page Title - Give each page on your is on your webpages - meta tags, website a unique title. keywords, your website’s navigational structure etc. • Description - Describe what each webpage is about using some of What others say about you - What your keywords. happens outside your website backlinks - including those from directories, articles and social media platforms or networking sites such as twitter and facebook.

• Keywords - Add keywords which are relevant to your webpage in a list, separating each keyword with a comma.

First Start with what you say about yourself - Meta tags.

• ALT Tags - Give each image or graphic on your webpage a name which describes what the picture is about.

I always recommend starting with “what you say about yourself” by checking out your “meta tags.” “Meta Tags” is simply the name given to particular elements of your web page which are part of your website’s code and which help search engines learn what your website is all about. You can see the meta tags for any website by clicking "view" and then "page source" in your browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) menu. Each and every page on your website should have it's own unique page

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Although keywords are less important these days you should still add them. Use 25 or less per web page, and make sure you use different ones for different pages on your website.

Let’s Look at a Real Life Example Meta tags look like this - here’s an example - the ‘source code’ from an entertainment website: Page Title: < title>Showbiz, entertainment and media news - Digital Spy< /title>

News from the SEO Geek Meta Description: < meta name="description" content= "Entertainment news about the biggest TV shows, films and celebrities, updated around the clock." / >

webpage which you want to rank highly for the keyword phrase.

links (links from other web pages to your own website), and Google assesses the quality of a web page using technology called“PageRank™”. By the way, PageRank is actually named after someone called “Larry Page” and is not actually named after “webpage” !

What Exactly is Anchor Text? Firstly, let's define anchor text. Anchor text is that portion of a hyperlink that is viewed by someone Meta Keywords: on a webpage (the clickable text). < meta name ="keywords" Here is an example: in html code, the content="showbiz, big brother, x link is www.domain.com and the Google (and most other search factor, torchwood, doctor who, tv, anchor text will be bolded as “ anchor engines) counts each link as a vote for media, sky, freeview, cable" / > text ” the linked “to” webpage by the linked “from” webpage. So, if my site had a If you're having problems spotting Here is a typical html link: link from your site, you would be meta tags amongst the code on a <a href=” http://www.domain.com ”> understood as sending my website a website, then click “Ctrl F” and search Anchor Text </a> positive vote :) for "meta" on the page source of the Or a real life example - my link is web page. This is why your choice of anchor text http://www.seotrainingclub.com/ Now Move Onto “What others and my anchor text is “seo training”, is so important. Google uses anchor text (and assumes you aren't biased say about you” - Backlinks so I would write my text links like this: by swopping links with the website) The next stage in your SEO is to build <a href=” http:// to answer the question “OK, this is a links to your website. www.seotrainingclub.com/”>seo vote for a website (and that's great!), • One way links are links from one training</a> but what is this vote for?” website to you. Again as you can see my anchor text Anchor text is your way of explaining • Reciprocal links (link swops, link is contained between the > </a> after what you're voting for. In essence exchanges) are links where a site links the domain and quotation mark you're saying “I am voting for this site to you and you link back. portion of the link. because it is a great site that Links to your site can come from This link is written in html code, so all represents (Whatever you put in your many sources - you can place links a visitor would see on this webpage is Anchor Text)”. from online business directories, the phrase “seo training” which when So when someone clicks on a link to forums, articles or social networking clicked would take them straight to my homepage with the anchor text sites, to name but a few. my website, seotrainingclub.com, “seo training” Google then The best type of links to have are one which is all about, you’ve guessed it, understands that my site is all about way links. Reciprocal links don’t really seo training! seo training. help to build your search engine How anchor text works So, there you have it. A quick start rankings as well as one way links. Now I’ve explained what anchor text guide to search engine optimization. The most important part of building It really is much easier than it seems, is, let's look at why anchor text is so backlinks to improve your search and getting to grips with how SEO important for high search engine engine optimization is to make sure works is a crucial part of making a rankings and what the best anchor you have appropriate “anchor text” in text to use is. success of your online business. a backlink which points to the specific Alison Rothwell - SEO Training Club Search engines base a large part of how they rank websites on inbound About Alison - Alison Rothwell is a serial entrepreneur and founder of the SEO Training Club. Visit www.seotrainingclub.com/businessmumsjournal for some fab online marketing freebies especially for readers of the Business Mums Journal.

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Working from Home

Working from home

Want to be a full time mum AND have a career and a good income? Our natural healthcare business is expanding and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for honest and ethical business partners. You can build your own part time, home based business, and have fun doing it, alongside your family commitments. You can create a great income working flexible hours, with full training, support and mentoring provided. For more information, without obligation please call: Sharon 07983 442 553 or Stacey 07833 980 711

Working from Home 28

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Working from Home

Working from home

Connecting U 2 a great business opportunity Own your own business | Financial freedom Work from home around you & your family Leave a legacy | Pension & savings alternative

Hayley Lloyd Wilkins O7712 630 955 www.connectingu2.acnrep.com

HOME BASED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY THE ARBONNE EXPERIENCE Pure Safe and Beneficial Are you interested in Natural Health & Beauty Products? Would you like to run your own Business with Flexi Hours to Suit? CALL JULIE NOW ON 07971 582515 Or email julie.horan@ellepure.com

ARBONNE IS A 30 YEAR OLD HEALTH AND WELLNESS COMPANY. FOUNDED IN SWITZERLAND AND BASED IN CALIFORNIA. AFTER ITS UK LAUNCH IN 2007, IT IS BECOMING THE FASTEST GROWING COMPANY IN THE COUNTRY. The Products: Swiss botanical skincare and cosmetics for Women, Men and Children.

Arbonne allows you the potential for: A financial plan B - A debt free lifestyle - To set your own hours - To enjoy more time with friends and family - To work for yourself and be your own boss along with fantastic training and support. For further information please contact Karen McBride your Arbonne Consultant by visiting : www.beautifulaspirations.myarbonne.co.uk

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Working from Home

Arbonne needs business builders to meet the demands of this natural, botanical brand.

Top tips : travelling with children

TOP TIPS:

Travelling with Children Your holiday is booked and now all you have to worry about is how to entertain your little ones on the journey and then there is all the packing and the ‘extra’ items you need to take! Whether you are going abroad or holidaying in the UK, there always seems so much to organise. Laura Morris from Rentabuggy child has a chance to stretch off. It is gives us 5 top tips for travelling also a good idea to take some finger with children: snacks or fruit and some drink within

One For long trips whether it is in the car or on a flight, make up a little pack of ‘new’ toys/activities that you can give to your little ones before the journey starts. Because, they are new it also means that they won’t get so bored easily. You don’t have to spend much money either. You can include a pack of cards, a small pack of crayons and a little colouring book with stickers. Fuzzy Felts is always a good one too.

Two If you are driving, always take a break. This will ensure that your

the car. Some good ideas are raisins, bananas, breadsticks etc.

Three Try to utilise the items you are taking to minimise packing. Nappy Bags are also great for holding wet swimsuits and baby wipes are essential. They are great for cleaning hands, bums and any other messes along the way.

Four Always, remember a First Aid Kit especially if in a foreign Country. It is easy to forget a First Aid Kit but it is essential. If you use Calpol or any other related medicines, it can be difficult to find or even ask for this

Give your toddler the gift of balance!

6 vibrant colours 1 - 5 yr olds

abroad, so always take what you use, as at least you know what you are using and its safe.

Five Lastly, if you are struggling to get everything in the car, hire the equipment. Here at Rentabuggy we provide a Holiday Rental Service Nationwide. We stock a range of Pushchairs, Travel Cots, Highchairs, Stairgates, Sterilisers and more. We have also just launched our Holiday Welcome Packs, full of all the essentials you need for your holiday. All items are delivered and collected from your place of stay so it minimises your stress too! You can find out more information and book online at rentabuggy.co.uk.

BUMBLE & BOBBLE The Baby Boutique

www.bumbleandbobble.co.uk

Get a free handlebar bell with each bike! Tel: 01926 339107

www.striderbike.co.uk 30

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Bumble & Bobble are passionate about offering you a beautiful collection of quality products for your little ones & their nurseries!